A linear compressor is a gas compressor where the piston moves along a linear track to minimize friction and reduce energy loss during conversion of motion. This technology has been successfully used in cryogenic applications which must be oilless.

The single piston linear compressor uses dynamic counterbalancing, where an auxiliary movable mass is flexibly attached to a movable piston assembly and to the stationary compressor casing using auxiliary mechanical springs with zero vibration export at minimum electrical power and current consumed by the motor.[5] It is used in cryogenics.[5]

Linear compressors are used in LG and Kenmore refrigerators. Compressors of this type have less noise, and are more energy efficient than conventional refrigerator compressors.